IMBeR IPO Newsletter June 2024 No.42 - Capacity Development Update

Welcome to the IMBeR's Newsletter.

Continuing our annual tradition during graduation season, this special edition provides a review and updates on the capacity development programs and outreach activities conducted by the International Project Office from August 2023 to June 2024.

Mentoring Workshop Recap Videos:

Expanding EO data usage to address climatic changes in the marine biosphere

of the northwest Pacific and Indo-Pacific regional seas (EO-WPI) project,

November 2023 in Indonesia

The ESA-Future Earth jointly funded EO-WPI project concluded successfully in March 2024. This project stems from the ongoing IMBeR study group activities of the Ocean Color-based Plant species identification and Carbon flux in the Indo-Pacific oceans (OC-PC).

The project established one-to-one Mentor-Mentee relationships between remote sensing experts and Southeast Asian participants. The IMBeR International Project Office (IPO) helped organize the workshop in Indonesia to assist participants without remote sensing backgrounds in generating collaborative datasets and conducting scientific research for their respective research areas and topics.

The three-episode interview videos of the workshop are released to show untold behind-the-scenes stories from the perspective of the workshop organizers, OC-PC members, and participants.

Watch the videos on YouTube and Youku.

Call for Papers

Special Issue of the Journal of Sea Research: Changes in the marine biosphere of the Northwest Pacific and the Central Indo-Pacific observed via Earth Observation data. IMBeR OC-PC Study Group. EO-WPI Project. Submit by 30 June 2024.

European Space Agency and Future Earth also recognized EO-WPI activities on their web pages. More information can be found on the EO-WPI website.

IMBeR Young Scholar (IYS) Program:

2024 Applications Open

Who can apply: Senior, post-graduate students or early career researchers in Asia-African countries who perceive a deficiency in research resources in their networks.

How to apply: Any interested individual should submit a one-page application to the IMBeR IPO (imber@ecnu.edu.cn).

Process time: The IMBeR IPO evaluates the application and returns comments to the applicant within 14 working days. If the application is deemed meritorious, the IMBeR IPO seeks a suitable advanced laboratory to provide a mentoring service to the applicant.

Submit the IMBeR Young Scholar Program Application Form now!

IMBeR Coffee Reception

Over the past year, the IMBeR Coffee Reception convened five times, bringing together international early career researchers to share their findings and experiences across diverse regions, such as arid, tropical, and cold temperate coastal waters. Each session highlighted pressing ecological concerns and underscored the importance of rigorous scientific inquiry and collaboration among all stakeholders.

Dr. Maryam Ghaemi shared her insightful views on environmental challenges facing the Persian Gulf, such as extreme aridity, highly concentrated petroleum exploitation, and maritime transport activities, and cooperative strategies to address the scientific aspects of those challenges. Dr. Pavel Yu. Semkin highlighted two natural forces driving coastal eutrophication in the Russian Far East. One is that the seasonal salmon carcasses discharged from rivers induce eutrophication in one of the seaside bays of the Okhotsk Sea. The other is that intermittent volcanic ash falls trigger enriched nutrient concentrations in the rivers and estuaries off the Kamchatka Peninsula. More than two dozen volcanoes are active on the Kamchatka Peninsula. Volcanic ash is rich in iron and other minerals, which keeps both soil and ocean very fertile.

Dr. Idha Yulia Ikhsani explored iron biogeochemistry in the Eastern Indian Ocean, revealing that there are more than one hundred active volcanoes in Indonesia. Dr. Juma Rajabu Selemani examined fisheries and their potential contributions to the Tanzanian blue economy. Graduate students Wulantari and Milki Debi shared their field sampling experiences and transboundary shipments of scientific samples in Indonesia, Bangladesh, and China. Wulantari further reported her insights into the genetic makeup of fiddler crabs in Indonesia. Milki Debi offered practical insights into the role of the intertidal beach tidal flat in material balance using natural and artificial radionuclides. Milki also drew attention to the iconic Panowa (Cox’s Bazar) beach (~120 km long), the longest uninterrupted sandy beach in the world.

The IMBeR Coffee Reception continues to offer diverse scientific problems outlined in the IMBeR Science Plan and Implementation Strategy (SPIS 2016-2025), challenges in scientific sampling, international scientific research collaboration, sharing scientifically significant natural settings, local knowledge, and local cultures with offline and online participants.

The recordings are available for multiple viewings on the website.

IMBeR IPO 2023-2024 Internship Program

Interns' Feedback

We are excited to announce that our outstanding student interns from East China Normal University have gained practical work experience at the IMBeR IPO. We congratulate them on a fruitful internship journey and wish them all the best in their future endeavors! Let's take a closer look at their accomplishments and key takeaways.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** Best Intern Award ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

Hao Zheng - As a junior student majoring in Geographic Information Science, I had the privilege of participating in an internship this semester, gaining in-depth experience in various aspects such as media operations, daily administrative tasks, English translation, and even contributing to theme event planning. During this process, I ventured into uncharted territories by taking on design-related tasks that were new to me, including creating event posters and promotional materials. This not only elevated my professional skills but also fostered my innovative thinking.

The most memorable experience was the themed event for "World Book Day." It was my first time being involved in the entire process of designing, planning, and implementing a themed event. The significant readership the post received brought me immense joy and a sense of accomplishment. Every close collaboration with team members during this internship underscored the essence of teamwork for me.

The significance of this internship extends far beyond just a valuable opportunity to translate knowledge into practice. The chance to meet and work with teachers and classmates is already a rare and precious experience in life.

Most Agile Responder Award

Xinyu Liang - As a Geography major with aspirations to contribute to global environmental policy-making, I was eager to apply my academic knowledge in a practical setting and to understand international collaboration.

At IMBeR IPO, my role was multifaceted and perfectly aligned with my interdisciplinary interests. As a bamboo flute performer, I graced the IMBeR Coffee Reception with a cultural performance that showcased my artistic talent and added a unique cultural flavor to the academic setting. Beyond the arts, I expanded my role by translating academic literature to deepen my marine science knowledge.

The challenges were plentiful, yet so was the support. I recall the initial nervousness - a stark contrast to the confidence I gained through constructive feedback and encouragement. This nurturing environment fostered personal growth and a sense of belonging.

Throughout the internship, I honed not only my professional capabilities but also my organizational and time management skills, the exposure to marine geography and current ecological issues provided me with a robust foundation in environmental policy and management.

In retrospect, my time at IMBeR IPO was not just an internship; it was an immersion into a world where academic rigor meets practical application. I leave with a heart full of gratitude and a mind equipped with knowledge, ready to face new challenges with the confidence that comes from knowing I can make a difference.

Most Impressive Presentation Award

Xixi Liu - I am a postgraduate majoring in Areas Studies. As a student who is interested in international communication and global governance, I really appreciate the opportunity to work as an intern at IMBeR IPO.

During the internship, we have a chance to practice oral English. Scholars share their research online or offline in the IMBeR Coffee Reception. Domestic and foreign students listen to the lectures and have direct discussions to the speakers. As an intern, we should help keep order which requires us to communicate with foreign speakers and listeners in English. People speak English with different accents. At first, it was a difficult job for me. However, by listening more, I can understand more. This ability is, without doubt, very important for my further study and career.

Honestly speaking, this is not an easy job. Besides basic administrative work, we also need to finish tasks like editing newsletters, etc. Just as the saying goes: Nothing can be gained without painstaking efforts; no knowledge or skill can be acquired without sweat or toil. Every time I see scholars from different countries share their opinions in the meetings organized by IMBeR IPO, I always have a strong sense of achievement.

As an explorer, I am open-minded to hug the plural world. There is no doubt that this internship is colorful and helpful. Thanks to the supportive mentors, Strategy Director GiHoon, Deputy Executive Director Fang, and Executive Officers Kai and Suhui. I will always remember this precious experience.

Most Creative Designer Award

Jiaqi Rong - Joining IMBeR IPO during the fall semester of 2023 marked a significant milestone in my academic journey. As a senior undergraduate student with relatively lighter study loads, I sought to broaden my horizons and enhance my practical skills through an internship.

My internship at IMBeR IPO was truly an enriching experience. I was involved in a wide array of tasks, from designing promotional materials to editing videos and writing engaging content. These diverse assignments not only honed my technical skills in areas like graphic design and video processing but also improved my writing and communication abilities.

This work opportunity significantly enhanced my ability to learn new knowledge and retrieve information. Moreover, I realized the crucial importance of attention to detail. The work I completed differed greatly from the academic tasks I had previously encountered, leaving me feeling both intrigued and challenged.

Additionally, I had the privilege of attending various events organized by IMBeR IPO, including academic salons. These events provided me with a platform to interact with renowned scholars from across the globe, exchange ideas, and gain insights into the latest research trends.

In conclusion, my internship at IMBeR IPO was a transformative experience that has greatly contributed to my personal and professional growth. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this esteemed organization and look forward to carrying the skills and experiences I gained here into my future endeavors.

Most Dedicated Producer Award

Ruotong Xu - I am a third-year undergraduate student majoring in GIS at East China Normal University. I've always been interested in the ocean, so I submitted my application after learning about the internship opportunity at IMBeR IPO. During this internship, I was primarily responsible for editing interview videos for the EO-WPI project. The joy I felt when I saw my edited videos published on the Future Earth and ESA climate websites was indescribable. At the same time, I was also involved in the preparation of many events, where I experienced both the rigor of the work and the fun of the ocean.

The biggest challenge I encountered during my internship was the language. I had fewer opportunities to speak English in my daily life, which led to my mastery of the language remaining on paper and not being able to express myself. However, my work required frequent communication, forcing me to improve my spoken English. I am glad that I took the first step and gradually overcame this barrier.

Throughout the internship, I was able to refine my skills and broaden my horizons through various work opportunities, which was very rewarding.

Most Meritorious Service Award

Shenghui Ye - My internship at the IMBeR IPO, from October 2023 to February 2024, was a transformative experience that enriched my academic and professional journey.

One of my most crucial responsibilities is to translate documents. Once I encountered a particularly challenging translation task on marine biosphere research. The complexity of the subject matter required a meticulous approach. First, I thoroughly reviewed the document to understand its context and the specific terminologies used. I then conducted extensive research on the technical terms and concepts, consulting scientific glossaries and related literature to ensure accuracy. I translated the document section by section, maintaining close attention to detail to preserve the original meaning and nuance. After completing the initial translation, I reviewed it multiple times, refining the text for clarity and coherence. Finally, I sought feedback from team members to validate the precision and relevance. This process not only enhanced my translation skills but also deepened my understanding of marine biosphere research.

In a nutshell, my internship has been an incredibly rewarding experience, providing me with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue a career in international scientific research and project management. I look forward to applying what I have learned in my future endeavors and contributing to the field in meaningful ways.

Most Brilliant Implementation Award

Zhengying Zhang - In December 2023, I embarked on an exciting journey as an intern at IMBeR IPO, where I spent six unforgettable months that profoundly broadened my horizons as a student of human geography. My initial motivation to join IMBeR IPO stemmed from my boundless curiosity and eagerness to gain insights from an international organization. Reflecting on this enriching experience, I am profoundly grateful for the chance to collaborate with the remarkable team. Everyone was so encouraging, supportive, and friendly, and because of which, such a relaxed environment has given me a lot of confidence!

Here, I participated in tasks such as translating academic articles’ summaries and designing posters, each of which provided me with a great opportunity to understand how an international office operates. One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship was the opportunity to delve into cutting-edge research in marine conservation. I had the privilege of reading seminal articles in this field, gaining invaluable insights into the latest advancements. Additionally, I had the chance to engage in face-to-face discussions with scholars from diverse countries and disciplines, listening to their presentations and continually expanding my knowledge base.

Throughout my internship, I constantly pushed my limits, improving my learning abilities and time management skills, and also cultivating a rigorous and meticulous work attitude.

Most Knowledge Utilization Award

Haoyue Zhou - Over the past six months, my internship experience at IMBeR IPO has undoubtedly been a valuable process of learning and growth. As a member of the team, I was primarily responsible for translating literature and preparing for some activities, which not only honed my language skills but also deepened my understanding of the study of marine biological resources.

What left a deep impression on me was the preparation for an international conference, where I was tasked with finding local accommodations. Through searching various foreign websites, I eventually accomplished this task. This process not only trained my communication and coordination skills but also taught me how to efficiently complete tasks within a limited timeframe by coordinating the work of different team members.

Furthermore, participating in the IMBeR Coffee Reception events with renowned scholars from abroad made me realize the importance of cross-cultural communication and the research progress in other countries. In the process of communication, I also learned to respect different viewpoints and to play my role within the team. This internship experience has not only enriched my professional knowledge but also improved my teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

The internship is an important milestone in my career. I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills I have learned here to my future work, and contributing to the protection and research of marine biological resources.

*Interns are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

We welcome students from all departments of East China Normal University (ECNU) to apply for our internship programs. Our programs are designed to cater to each student's field of study. We would like to express our gratitude to the State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research (SKLEC) and the Student Affairs Office of ECNU for their support. Please stay tuned for more capacity development opportunities in the future by subscribing to our updates.

Celebrating World Book Day

The IMBeR IPO shared seven ocean-related books on 23 April 2024 to celebrate the 29^th World Book Day. By interpreting these books through the voices and perspectives of the younger generation (lovely IMBeR IPO interns), the IMBeR IPO aimed not only to spark the audience's interest and curiosity in seeking clues to the mysteries of the ocean but also to inspire a sense of the intertwined fate of humanity and the seas. These books explored various themes, including the relationship between ancient fishing tools and water systems; the history of coastal cities revealing the footprints of human civilization in connection with the ocean; the pursuit of oceanographic knowledge through scientific expeditions; the exploration of the human body and deep-sea creatures, starting from basic diving; the relationship between navigation activities, human societal evolution, and technological development; the influence of marine life as seen from the perspectives of explorers, merchants, and fishermen; and the personal journals reporting drifting icebergs in polar waters encountered at polar night.

News here

Celebrating World Oceans Day

The IMBeR IPO and its host institution, the State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research (SKLEC) of East China Normal University, joined the World Oceans Day 2024 celebration held at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park on 8 June 2024. SKLEC, as the leading organization of the “Mega-Delta Programme” endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade, collaborated with the Park Authority and others to organize the UN “Ocean Decade” campus event. The IMBeR IPO orchestrated a scientific popularization event, including a scientific poster session entitled “Exploring Ocean Wonders: Plankton,” showcasing the Portable Plankton Flow Imaging Device, and hosting a creative plankton coloring activity for children. By showcasing plankton observed through scientific instruments, the IMBeR IPO aimed to bring marine scientific research activities closer to the public and inspire the next generation in marine science and technology.

News here

IMBeR IPO Host's Announcements

International Training Workshop on the Carbon Sequestration Estimate and Capacity Building of Coastal Blue Carbon Ecosystems in Maritime Silk Road Countries, 7-21 September , Shanghai, China. Apply by 26 July

Anthropocene Coasts Recruiting Position: Associate Editors

Anthropocene Coasts is a Golden Open Access journal hosted by East China Normal University, and published by Springer. The journal publishes multidisciplinary research addressing the interaction of human activities with our estuaries and coasts.

To help build on the success of Anthropocene Coasts and to expand the opportunities for international collaboration and contributions to the work of the journal, the journal is seeking more international Associate Editors.

Apply now!